Todd Lombardo
TITLE NEEDED
Industries
Marketing • Advertising
I am the founder of SUPR, Inc., a management consultancy for advertising agencies, marketers, and other creative industries. I have 25 years experience leading advertising efforts for brands including Mercedes-Benz, Ebay, Google, IKEA, Apple, Walmart, Panda Express, Snapple, Bumble Bee, FX, Revlon, Merrill Lynch, QDOBA and more, in New York, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area.
Previous to founding SUPR, I was a Managing Director, Head of Client Services, and Head of Social at The Many, formerly Mistress, an independent integrated agency in Los Angeles, where I co-led the winning of pitches, the doubling of revenue, and the tripling of team-size. I am an advertising builder and leader with real-world experience who can articulate brand and advertising visions, with a particular focus on digital and social innovation.
I also spent four years at Yahoo! in the Bay Area as a Marketing Director running marketing communication efforts for technology platforms and publisher initiatives.
I’ve been a judge for the Shorty’s, Effie’s, and Webby’s, and am a Shorty Award winner. I’ve been published in Ad Week, Advertising Age, Campaign, and Huffington Post, among others, run two Substacks, and am a novelist.
TITLE NEEDED
Industries
Marketing • Advertising
I am the founder of SUPR, Inc., a management consultancy for advertising agencies, marketers, and other creative industries. I have 25 years experience leading advertising efforts for brands including Mercedes-Benz, Ebay, Google, IKEA, Apple, Walmart, Panda Express, Snapple, Bumble Bee, FX, Revlon, Merrill Lynch, QDOBA and more, in New York, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area.
Previous to founding SUPR, I was a Managing Director, Head of Client Services, and Head of Social at The Many, formerly Mistress, an independent integrated agency in Los Angeles, where I co-led the winning of pitches, the doubling of revenue, and the tripling of team-size. I am an advertising builder and leader with real-world experience who can articulate brand and advertising visions, with a particular focus on digital and social innovation.
I also spent four years at Yahoo! in the Bay Area as a Marketing Director running marketing communication efforts for technology platforms and publisher initiatives.
I’ve been a judge for the Shorty’s, Effie’s, and Webby’s, and am a Shorty Award winner. I’ve been published in Ad Week, Advertising Age, Campaign, and Huffington Post, among others, run two Substacks, and am a novelist.
TITLE NEEDED
Industries
Marketing • Advertising
I am the founder of SUPR, Inc., a management consultancy for advertising agencies, marketers, and other creative industries. I have 25 years experience leading advertising efforts for brands including Mercedes-Benz, Ebay, Google, IKEA, Apple, Walmart, Panda Express, Snapple, Bumble Bee, FX, Revlon, Merrill Lynch, QDOBA and more, in New York, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area.
Previous to founding SUPR, I was a Managing Director, Head of Client Services, and Head of Social at The Many, formerly Mistress, an independent integrated agency in Los Angeles, where I co-led the winning of pitches, the doubling of revenue, and the tripling of team-size. I am an advertising builder and leader with real-world experience who can articulate brand and advertising visions, with a particular focus on digital and social innovation.
I also spent four years at Yahoo! in the Bay Area as a Marketing Director running marketing communication efforts for technology platforms and publisher initiatives.
I’ve been a judge for the Shorty’s, Effie’s, and Webby’s, and am a Shorty Award winner. I’ve been published in Ad Week, Advertising Age, Campaign, and Huffington Post, among others, run two Substacks, and am a novelist.
"I understand everything about advertising: creativity, client services, project management, social and brand strategies, paid media, leadership, management, and growth. I advise individuals looking to get to the next level in their careers and agencies trying to get to where they want to be.”
MY 7 DIMENSIONS OF CAREER SUCCESS
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What do I love most about my work?
Doing something that matters is my passion. For agencies: growth and service that leads to advancement and opportunities for the company, founders, and employees. Overall, when advertising captures hearts, moves minds, advances the conversation and aims to change the world.
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What do I think is the biggest misconception newcomers often have about my field of work?
It is not Mad Men.
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What do I think is the biggest threat to my industry and/or field of work?
Generative AI is the most common answer I hear, but in my opinion there is a bigger threat: too many agencies don’t know why they exist, who they are for, or what they are great at. So they all sound the same. When this happens, it’s a race to the bottom as a commodity and tough to run a business.
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What is your personal approach for maintaining work-life satisfaction?
If I can be in charge of my daily schedule, that is work-life satisfaction. If I can do something that matters, that is also work-life satisfaction.
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How do I think people in my field should adapt to stay relevant throughout their career?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Consider yourself an artist that advance the conversation. Be confident you can figure it out. Don’t do the same thing twice.
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Looking back, what's one thing I wish I knew about my field before I started?
There is no sure thing, so think it through, then take the risk - most of the time.
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What POV do I bring to the table that challenges the status quo of my industry?
I think brands, and therefore advertising, is too self-centered. Brands are missing an opportunity to capture hearts and move the world forward. Brands need a new vision, and my intention is to help the advertising industry achieve this.
ADVISING TOPICS (picked too many)
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General insights on what it's like to work in my role within my field.
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Insights on common misconceptions and challenges that people encounter in my industry.
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Insights into work environments and cultural standards of my industry, crucial for working effectively in diverse settings.
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Insights on the various routes and opportunities for advancement in my industry, including the steps and decisions required for progression.
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Strategies to remain adaptable and resilient amidst career challenges and industry changes, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and continuous learning.
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Strategies for smoothly transitioning between different positions or roles within my industry, including adapting skills and building new networks.
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Insights and strategies on navigating school, and the training, skills, and qualifications needed for success in my profession.
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Navigating gig work, securing contracts, and managing a freelance career in my industry.
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Building and maintaining strong client relationships in my field.
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Tips and insights on developing effective leadership skills, including leading teams and managing projects.